Suspected political thugs on Monday took over the Oredo Local Government Area Secretariat, preventing the Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki, from gaining access to his office.
Armed with dangerous weapons, the menacing thugs took strategic positions at the secretariat, chanting war songs.
The development forced the embattled Council Boss, Dr. Tom Obaseki, who had resumed work for the day, to retreat.
Obaseki, speaking with journalists outside the council premises, said: “I came here to continue my work as the elected Chairman of Oredo Local Government. I met a whole lot of thugs who have already overtaken the council.
“This is a very disturbing trend. We are calling on the security agencies to arrest the situation.
“What is important is that we have a restraining order.”
Obaseki had resumed work following an Edo State High Court ruling on Friday, which nullified his suspension alongside 17 other council chairmen.
The 18 council chairmen and their deputies were suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly after a petition by Governor Monday Okpebholo, alleging insubordination and gross misconduct.
Meanwhile, in Orhionmwon Local Government, the Council Chairman, Mr. Newton Ugiagbe, resumed and performed his official duties unhindered.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the council boss, Mr. Roy Oseriemen, said: “Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs tried to disrupt the smooth running of the council, they were resisted by the good people of Orhionmwon.
“Apart from that skirmish, the council chairman and the legislative arm worked on Monday unhindered.
“This is because they are on the same page in delivering good governance to the people,” he added.